In a bold step to tackle the growing scourge of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in rural communities, the Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), led by Mfon Utin, has taken its campaign to the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.
The campaign kicked off on April 1, 2025, at the Nde–Oma Obakata Cooperative Hall in Omoku Town, marking the formal establishment of the ONELGA SGBV Response Team—a group of trained volunteers drawn from across local clans and communities to detect, support, and report incidents of abuse.
The urgency of the mission was underscored by a disturbing case brought to the team’s attention: a 3-year-old girl allegedly raped by a 19-year-old boy. The incident, reported by the Secretary of the ONELGA Traditional Rulers Council, is now being handled by a team member who is providing support to the survivor’s family and leading the ongoing documentation process.
The event drew participation from a wide range of stakeholders—traditional rulers, health workers, adolescents, persons with disabilities, religious leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representatives from the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), local vigilante group OSPAC, youth leaders, men and women—who now form the core of the newly constituted response team.
In her keynote address, Mfon Utin expressed deep concern over the rising tide of SGBV in rural areas, describing it as an affliction that must be urgently addressed. She emphasized the importance of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, which was domesticated in Rivers State in 2020, and urged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with its provisions.
“The role of this response team is critical—to support survivors, document abuse, and ensure that no case is swept under the carpet,” Utin said. “We will equip you with the skills and training needed to carry out this mission effectively.”
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High Chief Emenuwa A.C., Secretary of the ONELGA Traditional Rulers Council, stood in for the traditional rulers and reiterated their full endorsement of the initiative. “You’re not alone in this fight,” he told the team. “This movement has the awareness and backing of all major stakeholders, including the former Commissioner for Health.”
Utin presented copies of the VAPP Law to the High Chief and the ONELGA SGBV Coordinator, encouraging them to use it as a guide in their work. The newly selected response team members were also formally inaugurated during the event.
The floor was open to remarks from participants, who welcomed the initiative with optimism and determination.
“This project couldn’t have come at a better time,” said monarch Anthony Oganuzor. “It’s long overdue and will help cleanse our society.”
Health sector representative Enyiche Judith underscored the importance of neutrality in handling cases, noting that “men too can be victims, and the system must treat every case with fairness.”
CSO representative Precious Ibegwura called attention to the alarming rate of violence against women in the community, advocating for a collective approach to dismantling harmful norms.
Support also poured in from other institutions.
Uche Nwokocha, the ONELGA SGBV Response Team Leader, thanked members for their commitment and promised that the team would visit key local government officials once they resumed duty, to keep them informed of the group’s activities.
HELDi’s Coordinator, Mfon Utin, closed the session by expressing gratitude to Rise Up, the ONELGA Traditional Rulers Council, and all response team members. She called on the team to prioritize survivor support and timely case reporting, promising that HELDi would keep them updated ahead of the official state launch.
